I’m a Shopping Expert—This Is London’s Coolest Area to Shop, Eat and Drink

Despite being a fashion editor—a profession I honestly love—I often loathe the idea of shopping. Whether it’s the traffic on the high street, the overwhelming crowds in your average indoor shopping centre or the seemingly samey offering from store to store, I’ve found myself avoiding it all together—that is until I discovered Coal Drops Yard at King’s Cross a few years ago.

After a 20 year regeneration, the reimagined space now hosts a collection of independent and high-street stores, renowned restaurants and vibey bars that feel at home in the location’s beautiful architectural surroundings. Coal Drops Yard is also conveniently just a few minutes’ walk from King’s Cross station, as well as near Regent’s Canal and some gorgeous open spaces. Unlike most shopping destinations in London it has an intimate, community feel.

There’s a carefully selected mix of independent boutiques, high-street brands such as COS, and designers such as Paul Smith, Margaret Howell and A.P.C. As well as this, you’ll also find gorgeous interior and jewellery brands, vintage fashion via Beyond Retro and beauty from Aesop and FaceGym. There’s something for everyone, and it definitely has a laid-back, curated feel that makes the experience feel a little more unique. 

Oh, and did I mention the restaurants? Foodies will rejoice in the plethora of award-winning restaurants including Spanish tapas at Barrafina, Mexican at Plaza Pastor, Tom Dixon’s Coal Office and more by way of wine bars, brunch spots and coffee shops.

But instead of just listing all my recommendations, I thought I’d show you how I love to spend a day there, relishing in all it has to offer. Enjoy!

If like me, you’re one of those “but first, coffee” people, you’ll want to start with one of the multiple spots serving barista coffee. Sons & Daughters is one worth knowing as you’re likely to pass it on your way from the station. (It also does a fantastic sandwich, which is often the main reason I visit.) Redemption Roasters is another option for those in need of a caffeine hit. The coffee is roasted by prisoners in the Mount Prison, making it the world’s first “behind bars” coffee company.

At the beginning of my day, I like to think about what’s on my list and the stores I want to hit. Split over three outdoor levels, Coal Drops Yard is not so big that it feels overwhelming. You can easily meander around to get your bearings and circle back to the spots you want to go to most without feeling like you’ve trekked through half of London.

With multiple independent boutiques showcasing artisan interior accessories, handmade jewellery, fragrances and books, Coal Drops Yard is a go-to if you need to buy a gift. If this is what you’re after, head first to Hato on Lower Stable Street, a cute, cobbled road with small boutiques and cafes on either side.

Alternative florist Roseur can also be found on this street, which offers bunches of beautifully styled dried flowers. Honest Jon’s, which is neatly and cleverly designed in the old railway arches, is the spot for vinyl.

After I’ve worked up an appetite, I look forward to a pit stop at one of London’s best brunch spots, Morty & Bob’s. From the French toast to the grilled cheese sandwich, the restaurant serves pure indulgence from morning ’til night. If you happen to be here on Fridays or the weekend, Lower Stable Street Market is a must. The market’s stalls change on rotation, and you’ll find mostly local B corp businesses serving up authentic food from around the world, including a monthly traditional Shōtengai market, where pan-Asian food and homeware are served to reflect the atmosphere of those in Japan. 

Once refuelled, I head out to browse the stores in the main yard. Wolf & Badger is a favourite for fashion-lovers who are after something unique, spanning two floors of cult-designer clothing, jewellery, accessories, homeware and other bits for both men and women. Around the corner you have Aesop, which will always draw me in with the scent of its orange-rind hand cream. Its fragrance and skincare are also part of my daily beauty ritual and make a great gift for anyone.

As this time of year marks the beginning of a new season, I’m mainly on the lookout for timeless pieces that can be worn multiple ways. American Vintage is a go-to for high-quality knitwear, loungewear and other elevated basics such as cotton tank tops and denim. Affordable luxury brand Emin & Paul is another I heavily rely on for timeless pieces. From buttery-soft vegan-leather jackets to PVC trench coats to satin midi dresses, its pieces are fashion-forward and fun but aren’t too trendy, ensuring longevity. What I love about Coal Drops Yard is that each store is beautifully presented and easy to browse. Whilst they all have their own aesthetic and offering, there’s a semblance that feels well thought out and curated, making shopping anything but arduous.

I like to end with trying on everything I’ve made a mental note of throughout the day. I couldn’t resist a black cashmere midi dress in American Vintage. It hugs the body and is so comfortable. It can easily be dressed up or down by swapping heels for boots in winter, so it was was an instant “yes.” I’ve been wearing Emin & Paul for a few years now and consider it one of my not-so-well-kept secrets. The collections are displayed on rails organised by colour palette, so it’s easy to find pieces in tones that speak to your style. Usually, I’m attracted to neutrals, but the green check of this wool coat and trousers was irresistible.

Later in A.P.C., my go-to denim brand, I put together a timeless transitional look that I’ve been wearing a version of for years: a white cotton shirt and jeans. Simple? Yes. But effective? Completely. The secret to elevating such a look is to think carefully about the accessories and shoes. They don’t have to be shiny statement pieces, but selecting styles that marry together ensures consistency, which is the key to harnessing the true essence of quiet luxury. Here, I opted for black leather pieces, so the belt, shoulder bag and Mary Jane shoes (shall we just give a moment to those, please?) all feel united. 

Finally, Ba&sh, the high-end retailer with an accessible price point, is known for its classic French girl–inspired collections. Folky bohemian dresses and blouses, leather jackets and little black dresses reign here, but for me, the stand-out style I had to try on (and later buy) was this beige wide-leg two piece. A sucker for tailoring, I loved the silhouette of the waistcoat, thanks to its oversized fit that didn’t feel restrictive like tailoring often can. Styled with loafers for the office and strappy sandals for dinner, this is a winning ensemble that can be worn from 1 September right until the scorching weather next summer and beyond.

It goes without saying that a long day of shopping should always finish with dinner and/or drinks. As I was meeting a friend, I wanted to book a restaurant for food, and it goes without saying that you’re spoilt for choice at Coal Drops Yard and the surrounding area. London’s favourite Indian restaurant has to be Dishoom, and it just so happens there’s one down the road on Stable Street. Next door is Spiritland, a dark vinyl-playing bar and restaurant that attracts a cool crowd. For drinks, I always choose Vermuteria—I’m a sucker for its interiors, and there’s a strong wine selection. But on this day, I was in the mood for tapas, and if there’s one London restaurant that’s known for that, it’s Barrafina. The modern, stylish haunt serves Catalonian dishes with a focus on seafood. In my opinion, that’s a perfect end to a day well spent!

Discover more on offer at Coal Drops Yard here.